Recalling the epic 2004 Munster final

The magnificent Waterford/Cork rivalry is reflected upon by many a Rebel hurler in ‘Blood Brothers’.

Throughout ‘Blood Brothers’, the Cork players scarcely conceal their admiration for a Waterford side with whom they’ve played out several epic matches with over the past decade.

The 2004 Munster final, rightly described by the author as a game that entered the pantheon of legendary provincial deciders, is regretfully recalled by a Cork side, which would regroup to win the All-Ireland title that September.

“I honestly thought he was going for a point,” said Sean Óg Ó hAilpín when Paul Flynn shaped up ahead of his famous second half goal from a long range free.

“It didn’t seem a rocket of a shot – and Flynn can whack it when he wants – but we weren’t expecting it.”

Added Brian Murphy, who was involved in the incident which led to John Mullane’s sending off that day: “I thought he was too far out, but he had the balls to try it. It was a fantastic shot; it had dip and swerve. It changed the game totally.”

Joe Deane heaped praise on the Deisemen when reflecting on the Semple classic.

“They took all their chances, they hooked and harried and blocked. It faded away from us and we couldn’t get to grips with it. In the circumstances it was one of the greatest comebacks of all time, and one of Waterford’s greatest wins.”

Moynihan writes: “Brian Murphy might have been public enemy No.1 to Waterford fans after the entanglement with Mullane, but they didn’t have a face for the wanted poster.

“The irony was that a lynch mob wouldn’t have had too far to look, either. Murphy’s girlfriend was from Dunhill and he spent the following days in the heartland of the Deise.

“‘I went down to the Spraoi in Waterford the week afterwards. Sure there wasn’t one person recognised me; there was no bother.’”